The Rip Curl GromSearch, one of the most exciting youth surfing events in North America, returns for 2026. Now in its 27th year, GromSearch continues to be a premier platform for surfers under 16—the next generation of talent pushing the sport forward.

Founded by Rip Curl legend Doug Warbrick in 1999, GromSearch was created to discover and develop young surfers at the grassroots level. Over the years, it has helped launch the careers of some of the sport’s biggest names, including Stephanie Gilmore, Caroline Marks, Gabriel Medina, Erin Brooks, and Mason Ho.

The 2026 North America GromSearch is proudly presented by Flexfit, with support from an incredible lineup of partners including Sun Bum, YETI, FCS, Banzai Bowls, Ritual Vision, Hawaiian Airlines, and Lost. Together, these brands share Rip Curl’s passion for surf culture and the development of young athletes, helping create an unforgettable experience at every stop.

The 2026 series has already visited some of North America's most iconic surf destinations, with one final qualifying stop still to come:

• Tofino, Canada (Completed)
• Huntington Beach, California (Completed)
• Oʻahu, Hawaii (Completed)
• Ocean City, New Jersey (Up Next – Register Below!)

Top competitors from each stop earn their place in the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, taking place October 8 at Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the best junior surfers from across North America will battle for the 2026 National Title.

National Final Qualifiers

With three stops complete, the field for the 2026 Rip Curl GromSearch National Final is beginning to take shape. Congratulations to the surfers who have qualified so far! One final opportunity to qualify remains at the Ocean City, New Jersey stop before the National Final at Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach on October 8.

Please note: The list below reflects the top finishers at each stop. Final National Final qualifiers, seeding, and alternates will be confirmed following the Ocean City event.

Tofino, British Columbia (Completed)

U14 Girls

• Shiloh Page
• Snow Parisi

U14 Boys

• Gus Chong
• Eddie Dyrchs

U16 Girls

• Marisa Sequeira
• Jade Rosene

U16 Boys

• Tanner Sandvig
• Mica Greig

Huntington Beach, California (Completed)

U14 Girls

• Teagan Sandvig
• Teagan Meza
• Emery Storrer
• Mia Blaxland

U14 Boys

• Henry Mullen
• Dane Gregorius
• Vaun Harrison
• Cruz Gregory

U16 Girls

• Isla Hardy
• Zoe Panettiere
• Marlynn Glaub
• Amari Moore

U16 Boys

• Zion Walla
• Hayden Flores
• Bryce Seshun
• Luke Carbone

Oʻahu, Hawaii (Completed)

U14 Girls

• Manalani Cazimero
• Sophia Gannon
• Mia Blaxland
• Teagan Meza

U14 Boys

• Keahi Lee
• Henry Mullen
• Ian Moody
• Pohaku Lambeth

U16 Girls

• Kiki Takako Oshiro-Kaneshiro
• Brenice Alama
• Ocean Lipstein
• Teagan Meza

U16 Boys

• Hayden Flores
• Matias Banto
• Merrik Mochkatel
• Finn Castle

More than just a competition, GromSearch is about building community. Each event brings together young surfers, families, industry leaders, and partners in an environment that celebrates progression, creativity, and connection—both in and out of the water.

As we transition to Flowstate this year, please see below for guidance on setting up parent/child accounts:

To register your child using your email address, you must first create a Flowstate account under your name, then link your child’s profile(s) as sub-accounts.

1. Create Primary Account: Visit https://flowstate.zone/en/login and create an account under your name
2. Access Profile Settings:
   - Desktop: Click the user icon (top right)
   - Mobile: Go to “My Zone” → menu (top right)
3. Select “Edit Profile”
4. In the “Linked Accounts” section, click “Add” (scroll if using mobile)
5. Enter Child’s Information to create their competitor profile
6. Click “Create” to link the account
7. Repeat for additional children if needed
   

Once the competitor profile is set up and linked, registration can be completed.

Flowstate Support (for registration help):
Email: support@flowstate.zone
WhatsApp: +1 555 741 9101
Live Chat: https://flowstate.zone/en/about-us

For all non-Flowstate-related questions, please contact Rip Curl Community Marketing Manager, Madeleine Blackwell, at madeleine.blackwell@ripcurl.com.